Davide Santon: I'll play anywhere for NUFC

DAVIDE SANTON today insisted he is ready to do any job he is asked by Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.

DAVIDE SANTON today insisted he is ready to do any job he is asked by Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.

The Toon new boy captained Italy Under-21s to a comfortable 3-0 win over their Hungarian counterparts yesterday and is now keen to take that winning mentality into the clash at Loftus Road next Monday night.

Santon has arrived as what many see as much-needed cover at left-back, but Pardew has yet to decide which side to play the 20-year-old on, with Ryan Taylor putting in four solid performances thus far this season and the £5.3m defender more than capable of starring at right-back, the slot currently occupied by Danny Simpson.

Santon was due back on Tyneside this morning and was a man in demand with camera crews keen to get him captured in a black-and-white shirt ahead of Monday’s big clash.

And after leading Italy to victory against the Magyars, Santon says he is keen to play anywhere he is asked for the Magpies.

He told the Chronicle: “I feel that I am ready. I am naturally both-footed.

“It is no problem to play on either side as a full-back or on the right wing or left.

“I am defender but if the manager asks me to attack as well, it’s not a problem.”

Santon’s arrival on Tyneside came during the international break with the Toon’s new No 3 keen to link up with his new team-mates.

He said: “I just want to be part of this team.

“I am overjoyed still to be a Newcastle United player.

“I want to win and the sooner I pull on the famous black-and-white striped shirt the better.

“I can’t wait for this experience now.”

There has been plenty of doom and gloom at St James’ Park in the aftermath of the transfer window.

But Santon explained he left Inter Milan because he felt that Newcastle were going places.

He said: “Alan Pardew told me that the club have a plan to grow together.

“I feel this is the right place for me now and wouldn’t have left a club like Inter if it wasn’t.

“I came here because it is a big club and I felt it could benefit my career.

“I’m happy that I have been given this chance.

“I just want to show the Newcastle fans that I am a great player and help them continue what has been a great start to the season.”

Santon’s debut will be played out in the full glare of the TV cameras and now he can’t wait to be part of it.

He said: “I have watched so many Premier League games on TV at home in Italy, now I just want to be part of one of those games.

“Already I feel by watching these games that I will be comfortable with the pace in the Premier League.”

Santon and his father Mirco will now begin the task of finding a home on Tyneside in the next few days.

Meanwhile, his new club-mate Tamas Kadar also appeared for Hungary in his first competitive action since last May.

The defender was booked and lasted 71 minutes before being taken off in the latter stages in Szekesfehervar.

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